Du Toit: 'You couldn’t have scripted anything better’
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two World Cup titles, two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, and now the first Springbok to record a win in his 100th Test against the All Blacks.
That is none other than Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The loose forward became the 11th Springbok centurion when he took the field in the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
In a career spanning more than 13 years, the flanker, who can also play lock, has established himself as one of the most accomplished and influential players of the modern era.
And on Saturday, he added another remarkable achievement to his CV.
Not only did Du Toit become a Springbok centurion, but he also broke a unique 100-Test hoodoo against South Africa’s greatest rivals.
Before Saturday’s victory, four of South Africa’s Test centurions had faced the All Blacks in their 100th Test – and all four had suffered defeat.
Du Toit ensured history would be different this time.
“Growing up here in Cape Town and being able to play at Newlands back then and now at Green Point, it’s a huge honour and privilege,” Du Toit told reporters at DHL Stadium after the win.
“It’s very special for me and being able to have my whole family and all my friends here.
“You couldn’t have scripted anything better.
“So, I’m just very grateful for how things played out, and we got the win.”
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It has been a remarkable 13-year journey for the 34-year-old, who made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2013.
Along the way, Du Toit has battled multiple injuries, none more serious than the devastating knee injury he suffered just six months before the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
At the time, doctors believed there was little that could be done, with his career seemingly hanging in the balance.
But his father, Pieter Stephanus du Toit, donated part of his hamstring to his son in a remarkable act of sacrifice.
Du Toit recovered and went on to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s 2019 World Cup triumph.
Four years later, he was part of the Springbok side that successfully defended the Webb Ellis Cup in France.
His achievements have continued to grow, including two World Rugby Player of the Year awards.
On Saturday, despite the enormity of the occasion, Du Toit showed no signs of allowing the 100th-Test milestone to overwhelm him.
He delivered another typically industrious performance, completing 16 tackles and making valuable metres with ball in hand.
When Siya Kolisi was replaced in the second half, Du Toit also took over the captaincy as the Springboks fought their way back from the previous weekend’s defeat.
The victory also ensured South Africa avoided back-to-back Test defeats for the first time since 2022.
“We’re never prepared to lose a Test match,” Du Toit said.
“I guess probably as South Africans, we know when our back is against the wall, there’s only one way forward, and that’s to go forward fast.
“So, it’s never nice to lose a match, and we’re just happy we could win this one.”
He added: “We’re always prepared to win every match and never to lose one.”
The third Test takes place at the FNB Stadium at Nasrec in Johannesburg on Saturday.
